HOA treasurer charged with stealing funds

Osprey, Florida -- A man accused of using money from his HOA funds for his own use is now facing larceny charges.

Sarasota deputies say while 69-year-old Charles Nichols was treasurer for the Osprey Homeowners Association, between 2007 and 2011, he wrote himself at least 33 checks totaling nearly $7,500 for no legitimate reason or known business purpose.

An investigation was conducted when the current HOA president told detectives the association was suffering from deep debt until he stripped Nichols of his position and the financial status of the association rebounded.

Nichols is being charged with one felony count of Larceny and was released after posting $1,000 bond.